Exploring Redwood National and State Parks: A Two-Day EV Road Trip Adventure
Where Ancient Giants Meet the Pacific
Traveling the Redwood Coast is where ancient Redwoods meet the sparkling Pacific Ocean—a breathtaking union of towering trees and rugged coastline.
This region is home to half of the planet’s remaining old-growth Redwoods, making it one of the most extraordinary natural destinations on Earth.
These giants can soar up to 300 feet tall and live for over 1,000 years, creating a timeless forest that inspires awe and wonder.
There’s nothing quite like standing among the towering giants of California’s Redwood National and State Parks. My neck still hurts from taking it all in.
For the next phase of our fall EV road trip, we headed south along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 101 to Crescent City, California—the northern gateway to these majestic trees.
Over two unforgettable days, we explored serene trails, scenic drives, and iconic landmarks, all while enjoying the convenience of electric vehicle travel.
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Arrival in Crescent City & Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
The Sun Filtering Through the Grove of Titans Trail
After checking into our Airbnb in Crescent City, we still had enough daylight to venture into Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, just a few miles away.
Our first stop was the Grove of Titans Trail, a 1.7-mile out-and-back walk through hundreds of old-growth Redwoods.
Sections of the trail feature elevated boardwalks, making the path accessible and preserving the delicate forest floor.
The trail ends at the Grove of Titans, where you’ll find yourself craning your neck to glimpse the tops of colossal trees—feeling wonderfully insignificant among these natural wonders.
Continuing along narrow Howland Hill Road, we wound through sharp curves and towering trees, stopping at occasional pullouts for breathtaking views (and to let opposing traffic pass).
This scenic drive led us to Stout Grove, a level dirt path that meanders through more standing and fallen giants.
Take your time to soak in the size of these absolutely incredible trees—they stretch so high and wide that I often found myself stopped, blocking the path while staring in amazement.
Amp’d Advice: Look for Level 2 chargers at public destinations like parks, museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and sports venues. These spots offer a convenient way to add charge while you enjoy the activities. Read more about charging here.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove & Avenue of Giants
Parking at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
The next morning, we headed south, turning off Highway 101 to visit Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a 1.5-mile walking loop dedicated to the former First Lady’s devoted service to the cause of preserving and enhancing America’s natural beauty.
This peaceful trail offers a glimpse into the history and preservation efforts that protect these ancient forests.
Spend an hour or more on the wide soft trail and enjoy what you came to see, endless giants.
From there, we continued past Eureka and shifted onto the legendary Avenue of Giants—a 31-mile scenic byway that winds through the heart of Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Driving beneath a high canopy, the filtered sunlight created a mythical atmosphere, illuminating the forest floor in patches of golden light.
Along the route, you’ll find numerous trailheads, picnic areas, campgrounds, and small hamlets.
Take your time here to hike one of the numerous trails or partake of a picnic lunch; it’s truly one of the finest forest drives in the world.
Filled with pull outs, paths, hiking trails and picnic areas you will find an activity to match your ability to wander amount the giants.
Plan a full day to visit the Redwoods, anything less would diminish the wonder of the ancients.
Iconic Stops
Chandelier Drive Through Tree, Leggett, California
Our journey concluded in Leggett, California, home to the famous Chandelier Drive-Through Tree.
This 2,400-year-old, 315-foot tree is 21 feet in diameter with a tunnel cut through the base.
With mirrors folded in, we squeezed through the tree tunnel—a bucket-list experience for any road tripper.
Afterward, we headed to the Electrify America charging station south of Garberville to recharge before enjoying dinner at Avenue Café in Miranda, California.
Filled with a good meal and the wonder of the day, we drove the mountainous Highway 101 back to our Airbnb to prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Traveling by EV made this adventure even more enjoyable, with charging stations conveniently located along Highway 101.
Planning ahead ensures a smooth trip, so check your route for available chargers and their status before you set out.
EV Travel Tips
Planning an EV road trip through the Redwoods is easy with a little preparation. Here are some helpful tips:
Electrify America Charging Station, Graberville, California
Download Charging Apps
- PlugShare is our choice to verify chargers and read user reviews. We plan our own charging as described here.
- A Better Route Planner (ABRP) is another common choice to plan charging stops.
- You can never go wrong with using the charging provider’s app. Electrify America provides multiple stations along Highway 101.
Plan Ahead
- Charging stations are available in Crescent City, Eureka, Garberville, and Leggett.
- Check availability before you start your drive.
Factor in Terrain
- Highway 101’s mountainous roads and cooler temperatures can affect range, so allow extra buffer miles.
Take Advantage of Charge Stops
- Use your time wisely and pair charging breaks with meals or short hikes to make the most of your time.
Carry Backup Options
- A portable Level 2 charger can be handy if you’re staying at an Airbnb or campground. We carry this one on every EV Road Trip.
Every EV trip starts with PlugShare to research destinations and charging options.
Once we’ve chosen a destination, I verify which charging providers are available along the route. Then read the reviews for reliability and tips on the best pedestals, nearby amenities, and even hidden chargers. Cheryl adds a nostalgic twist by marking those stations on a paper atlas, giving us a colorful snapshot of the route.
Blending digital tools with old-school mapping makes planning quick, stress-free, and a little adventurous. Read this article to see how this combo keeps our road trips smooth and fun!
Birds Eye Review: EV Road Trip Through the Redwoods
Avenue of the Giants Roadway
Two days among the Redwoods is an experience we will never forget.
Cheryl and I agree these two days were the highlight of our 21-day EV road trip visiting five diverse and beautiful National Parks.
“You just don’t understand, unless you’ve been through it”
From the serene trails of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park to the enchanting Avenue of Giants, the collection of State and National parks offers a glimpse into nature’s grandeur on a scale that defies imagination.
Whether you’re driving an EV or a traditional vehicle, this road trip promises breathtaking scenery and unforgettable memories.
Ready to plan your own Redwood adventure?
With a little planning, your EV can be your primary daily driver—and your ticket to unforgettable road trips.
Embrace the challenge, and you’ll discover that driving electric meets all your needs.
Share your favorite stops or EV travel tips in the comments below
